Cambodia forum

Which hotel in Siem Reap on a budget??

Kachinafran-ce

Joined Travelfish11th November, 2007Posts: 12

Hi, we're in Siem Reap for a week next February. We have resereved a room at the Two Dragons based on several guides, however the latest visitor review in Travelfish was not very complimentary, in fact it was awful. Does anyone have any recent feedback. We are a very active 60+ couple and we dont travel 5* our budget is 20 - 40 US$ a night. An y recommendations of where to stay would be much appreciated. Thanks

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sugarplum

Joined Travelfish26th January, 2007Posts: 16Total reviews: 3

We stayed at the Ancient Angkor in February his year. It was clean, cheap and walking distance from town. The hotel was down a few back streets but it all seemed quite safe there. They have a website now on www.ancient-angkor.com. Feel free to ask more questions. I can also recommend a good tuk-tuk driver if you need one.

somtam2000

I stayed at Two Dragons for just shy of a week, subsequent to the review you're referring to for Two Dragons. I disagree with the negative review and wouldn't say it's a representative review of the place at all. Two Dragons is a guesthouse and while not all the rooms are perfect, it's nevertheless a good option. It's not the cheapest in town, but I think there is a lot of added value in the owner (very knowledgable about SR) and their tuk tuk drivers, who are some of the best I've come across. Everyone is entitled to their opinion though and I guess it just didn't work for them!

Our Siem Reap accommodation has recently been updated, so feel free to take a look through some of the other recommendations. The difference between what you get in SR for $20 Vs $40 is substantial, so if you're willing to stretch to US$40, the following are all very good options in my opinion:

exacto

I wouldn't necessarily let this one negative review color my opinion of a place either. I'm sorry that these folks had a bad experience, but sometimes the review may reflect more on the writer than the establishment.

To underscore that point, if you look up the listing for Two Dragons you'll see that there are a total of 15 reviews of the place and this was the only negative one. We stayed at Two Dragons last year and had the same positive experience the overwhelming majority of other folks did.

As Somtam says, the guesthouse has lots of nice extras, including very good drivers to escort you through Angkor Wat.

At the very least, you may wish to keep your reservation at Two Dragons so you can make up your mind for yourself once you arrive. If you don't like it, then you can always move to a new place. However, I suspect you'll like it and choose to stay.

CunningMcFar

Joined Travelfish20th August, 2004Posts: 163Total reviews: 45

Hi Kachinafrance~
you have already read my response to your question on TripAdvisor, but I will chime in here as I heartily agree with Somtam and exacto about Two Dragons, one bad review among the many positive should be taken with a large grain of salt. You can read even more love for the place over on Lonely Planet's ThornTree forum: www.tinyurl.com/3bqoz7

We very much enjoyed our stay at Two Dragons and found the staff to be cheerful and helpful, there is a comfortable and homey feel to the place, and the food at the restaurant is outstanding.

KaySmullen

Joined Travelfish20th November, 2007Posts: 3

Hi KachinaFrance,

We are in Siem Reap now and have stayed at three different budget hotels so far (yikes!).

In my opinion, the Ancient Angkor attracts some shady characters (we saw some older single western men hanging out with their young Cambodian/Thai lady-friends). And the neighborhood is set back far enough from the main area to be a bit sketchy if walking at night.

The Red Piano and other lodges on that road are right next to a brothel/entertainment salon. Not a good scene either.

We stayed for a couple nights at the Ei8htRooms hotel. It has very stylish decor and is on a good quiet street. Huge rooms with all the usual amenities (A/C, hot water, TV, refrigerator) and also a DVD player in the room. Free internet after 6pm. Prices are $18

Right now we are at the Temple and LOVE it. They are super friendly. You are greeted with fresh juice, beer, and a free foot massage on your first day. Very clean. Rooms are slightly on the small side - but not too small. Hammocks, very green garden, restaurant/bar with pool table. Free internet 24 hours. And a wide variety of ages - we dined with a couple in their late 60's/early 70's for breakfast, then met a couple in their 30's at lunch, and I am on the internet next to a guy in his late 20's. Highly recommend making a reservation as they are always full. Room prices range from about $8-$25 depending on size, etc. http://www.goldentemplevilla.com/

Kachinafran-ce

Joined Travelfish11th November, 2007Posts: 12

Hi Kay,
Many thanks for your informative mail and I hope yiou are enjoying your stay in Siem Reap. I admire your tenacity - moving 3 times to get the best stay. Thanks for details about the Golden Temple. We will keep it in mind if we need a back up, however after many positive responses we have booked at 2 Dragons.

Do you have any other tips about staying in SR. I know there is a massive amount of info on the web and in the forums, but sometimes its easier to ask someone directly, especially as you have taken the time to reply to my enquiry. Thanks again

exacto

If you haven't yet, check out the trip reports section of the messageboard forum. There are several first-hand accounts of people's recent visits to Siem Reap and other places in Cambodia and should have exactly the type of details and recommendations you need. Cheers.

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Kachinafran-ce

Joined Travelfish11th November, 2007Posts: 12

Thanks exacto, will do.

We used to travel all over the world 20+ years ago, without the aid of this wonderful service. We had some awful hotels and even worse journeys and the only people who we could tell were our friends and family - bored them rigid! But now we can pass on our experiences and read of other peoples. A brilliant way to ensure people get the best trip possible. Watch out, we will be posting details of our 6 week trip next march. Yawns and all! Thanks again to everyone.

KaySmullen

- Skip the Sunset at Phnom Bakheng. WAY too many people makes it distracting and dangerous. If you must do a sunset, then Ta Keo would be a nice quiet one to go to.

- Bring sunglasses and a bandana for the tuk-tuk rides to the temples. Bandana to cover your mouth/nose from the dust.

- If you are able and would like to, the Kantha Bopha hospital really needs blood and money donations. The founder, a Swiss doctor Dr. Beat Richner, gives a great cello concert on Saturdays for free - highly recommend seing it! more info on www.beatocello.com

- Like Coffee? Go to Joe-to-Go, located right next to the Ivy Restaurant. Only open from about 6am to 3pm. All money goes to charity.

- Other activities, events, shops, restaurants, etc that are charity focussed are listed on www.stay-another-day.org

borisborough

Joined Travelfish30th November, 2009Posts: 21Total reviews: 2

We are a couple, late forties. We stayed three nights at the Mekong Angkor Palace Hotel in mid-January 2010. Air-con room with en-suite, sat tv and egg breakfast USD20. Similar with balcony overlooking the pool USD25. Perfect!

chrispyrolls

I just wanted to come (as others have) to the defence of Two Dragons. Gordon Sharples who runs the place with his family well known in the area, and very knowledgable on it too... There is no better place in SR in my mind - and I would gladly stay there again any time